In the law, self-authentication refers to evidence which is authenticated by its own contents rather than through testimony or other evidence.

For example, under the Michigan Rules of Evidence, in a trial in which the condition of an intersection is at issue, a photograph of the intersection can be valuable evidence, but to admit the photo, somebody must testify that the photo is what it purports to be: a photograph of the intersection. Often, the person authenticating the photo will be the person who took the photo. But there is a list of items that don't require such supportive testimony, including certain public documents under seal, certified copies of public records, official publications, newspapers and periodicals, and commercial papers. A certified copy of somebody's driving record, including that his license has been suspended, can be presented as evidence of the driver's status without the need for somebody from the driver's license office to come and testify to the record.

That driver shouldda stopped at that intersection stop sign.